Foaling Unit

We have over 30 years experience in the breeding industry and over that time have foaled over one thousand mares. All our Foaling boxes are purpose built insulated units 15ft x15ft fitted with automatic water dispensers and CCTV Cameras situated on the main yard close to the house. We aim to take the stress out of foaling time for our clients who may be inexperienced or are out at work and unable to monitor their mare in the time leading up to foaling. We recommend mares come to us up to a month prior to foaling but this can depend on what fits in best with the owner. It is possible for clients to bring their own feed if they prefer. During the summer months mares can come to us early and be turned out with other pregnant mares until we feel they need to come in at night and be monitored. From February to April mares can be turned out in the indoor arena or take advantage of the horse walker for exercise.

We use foaling alarms that work by sending radio signals to the control panel in the house/office alerting us at any time night or day that foaling is imminent. During the day mares are turned out near to the yard so can be monitored at regular intervals. North West Equine Vets Ltd who are based 10 miles away have a team of experienced equine vets that can be with us quickly if needed.

After foaling we recommend foals have a IGG blood test to make sure they have received the maximum amount of good quality colostrum from the mare to ensure the best start in life. The vets can also check over the mare and foal at the same time. Mares that run milk or are elderly do not have the colostrum reserves necessary to pass immunity onto the foal. Foals that do not suck within the first few hours are also at risk. Either bottle feeding with manufactured colostrum or vet stomach tubing within the first 6 hours is advisable. Foals should also have an IGG blood test after 18 hours of age to determine their immunity. This is a blood test taken by the vet to ensure the colostrum has been absorbed correctly by the body, if the test results are low the vet will advise a plasma transfusion as although the foal may look healthy to begin with it can rapidly become sick and this is gives it the best chance of survival. We recommend all foals born at End House Stud receive the blood test as though a mare may appear to have a lot of milk the foal may not be absorbing it properly or it may be of poor quality.

Mares and foals are usually able to travel home a week after foaling but can stay longer if this is required. They can be turned out with other mares and foals to socialise or make use of our nursery paddocks.